The Police have arrested four men, aged between 18 and 20, for their suspected involvement in a case of loanshark harassment.
On 1 August 2019, the Police were alerted to a case of loanshark harassment where the gate of a residential unit along Pasir Ris Drive 6 was secured with a bicycle lock and a debtor note was left at the door.
Through investigations and with the aid of images from police and CCTV cameras, officers from Bedok Police Division established the identities of the four men and arrested them on 2 August 2019. One handphone was seized as case exhibit.
Two men, aged 18 and 19, will be charged in court on 3 August 2019 under the Moneylenders Act (2010 Revised Edition). Police investigations are ongoing against the other two youths. Under the Moneylenders Act (2010 Revised Edition), first time offenders found guilty of loanshark harassment shall be fined not less than $5,000 and not more than $50,000 with mandatory imprisonment of up to 5 years, and mandatory caning of up to 6 strokes.
Members of the public are advised to steer clear from all forms of loansharking-related activities, and not be tempted by the offer of quick and easy money. Parents are also advised to be mindful of their children’s activities and educate them not to fall prey to these unscrupulous criminals. The punishments for loansharking-related offences are severe, and parents must intervene promptly should their children display tell-tale signs of being under the influence of bad company. The public can call the Police at ‘999’ or the X-Ah Long hotline at 1800-924-5664 if they suspect or know of anyone who could be involved in illegal loansharking activities.
SINGAPORE POLICE FORCE
03 August 2019 @ 12:55 AM